Award-Winning Shrubs for Gardeners in New England

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, New England Gardening

New England, New England garden, Best shrubs, shrubs for New England, Great shrubs, Top Shrubs, Northeast region, Northeast garden, Best shrubs for Northeast, shrubs for Northeast

Hardy shrubs are essential elements in New England gardens. They add depth and character to any garden and provide lovely blooms, attractive berries, showy fall colors, and food for the birds.

Selecting the right shrub variety might be daunting for New England gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in the New England region, you may want to consider these top-performing shrubs which all won the Cary award, which is a joint effort between the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the New England Nursery Association, the Massachusetts Nursery, and Landscape Association, and many other organizations across New England. The goal of this program is to promote outstanding plants for New England gardens. Named in honor of plantsman Ed Cary, it identifies superior ornamental landscape plants that meet the growing conditions of the region and have proven their performance. Each year, this program selects new plant winners in 3 categories: shrubs, vines, groundcovers, and trees.

Below is the list of the prestigious shrub winners. As you will note, some of them have also received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society!

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 7
Heat Zones	1 - 3
Plant Type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Best Shrubs for Gardeners in New England

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ (Sawara Cypress)

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ (Sawara Cypress) is a sought-after evergreen shrub with gracefully weeping golden foliage. Its open habit and cord-like foliage create a stunning visual contrast. With attractive cones and year-round appeal, it adds unique texture to landscapes and shines in rockeries. A hardy and captivating choice for any garden.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m)
Spread	3' - 7' (90cm - 210cm)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)

This compact and beautiful shrub features bright pink, fragrant flower spikes that last for up to six weeks in mid-late summer. With lustrous dark green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in fall, it provides great fall color. Plant it near a patio to fully enjoy its extremely fragrant blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus) is a stunning upright shrub that offers a beautiful display throughout the seasons. From late spring to mid-summer, it showcases clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers with red veins in shades of creamy-yellow to whitish-pink. The elliptic blue-green leaves cluster at the branch tips and transform into magnificent hues of orange and red in the fall. This shrub is generally resilient against pests and diseases.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Fothergilla major (Mountain Witch Alder)

Native to the southeastern U.S., Fothergilla major (Mountain Witch Alder) is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub that is admired for its delightfully fragrant, bottlebrush-like, white flowers in spring, its leathery blue-green summer foliage, its spectacular fall color (leaves turn fabulous shades of yellow, orange and red-purple) and excellent disease resistance. With an upright spreading habit, this deciduous shrub spreads slowly by suckers.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	5' - 9' (150cm - 270cm)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ (Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ is a highly regarded Witch Hazel known for its profuse blooms, exceptional foliage, and stunning autumn colors. This hardy, medium to large shrub boasts dense clusters of intensely fragrant, bright sulfur-yellow flowers in late winter. The distinct flowers feature 4 curled, strap-shaped petals and red-purple calyces. The ascending branches are adorned with broad oval green leaves that transform into striking shades of yellow during fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)
Spread	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower)

Native to China, Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower) is a captivating deciduous shrub with year-round interest. It features clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall, followed by showy purplish-red fruits. The large, heart-shaped leaves and peeling bark add to its charm. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Disease-resistant.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Highly sought after, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ is a vigorous and spreading deciduous shrub that showcases impressive cone-shaped flowers, reaching 6-12 inches in length. These abundant blooms change colors over time, transitioning from lime-green to creamy white, then deep pink, and finally to beige. The dark green leaves also transform into stunning shades of red during autumn, providing an enchanting display that lingers into winter.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ (Winterberry)

Hailing from Eastern North America’s swamps, Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ (Winterberry) is a compact shrub with year-round appeal. This deciduous holly showcases petite greenish-white blooms in late spring, followed by a bounty of vibrant red berries that adorn the landscape throughout fall and winter. Its glossy, dark green leaves complete its attractive package.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’ (Blue Holly)

A beloved choice among female hybrid hollies, Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’ is a spreading, evergreen shrub that captivates year-round. It boasts clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by an abundance of striking bright red berries in fall. With its dark purple stems and glossy, dark blue-green, spiny-toothed leaves, it adds beauty and interest to the winter landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is a breathtaking evergreen shrub bursting with clusters of pink, bell-shaped flowers in late spring. Its glossy, deep green leaves take on purple hues in winter, adding year-round beauty. A beloved native of Eastern North America, however, all parts are highly toxic.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)
Spread	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ is a superb selection for any landscape. This dense and compact evergreen shrub offers desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms, and delightful foliage that maintains its color year-round. With deep purplish-red flower buds in winter, it beautifully contrasts the shiny, dark green leaves. In spring, it produces an abundance of urn-shaped, pendulous, creamy white flowers held in horizontal trusses at the branch tips.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)
Spread	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’

Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’ is a stunning broadleaf evergreen shrub. In mid-spring, it produces abundant clusters of approximately 13 to 17 soft pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each bloom opens from deep rose-pink buds, fades to pale pink, and eventually turns white, with slight green spotting on the upper lobe. The compact, dense multi-stemmed growth forms an attractive mound.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’

Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’ is an attractive early midseason evergreen shrub. It offers year-round interest with its abundant dome-shaped trusses of approximately 12 clear pink flowers in late spring. Each slightly fragrant bloom showcases subtle golden green blotches that transition to reddish-brown. The lance-shaped aromatic leaves are disease-resistant and turn lovely coppery-burgundy hues in winter. This Rhododendron grows in a wide and upright form.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea)

A standout among native azaleas, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous shrub that ushers in spring with its charming blooms. Delicate pink to white flowers with spotted throats grace leafless stems, appearing before the emergence of shiny dark green foliage. In fall, the leaves transform into a fiery display of orange and red hues. A splendid choice for border plantings, native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid), Fall
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Rosa Knock Out® (Shrub Rose)

Rosa Knock Out® is a compact, low-maintenance shrub rose known for its continuous cherry-red blooms from spring to frost. With exceptional disease resistance, drought tolerance, and self-cleaning flowers, this award-winning rose is ideal for borders, mass plantings, or containers, adding vibrant color and effortless beauty to any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’ (Lilac)

Resistant to powdery mildew, Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’ is a low-maintenance lilac that blooms abundantly in late spring with fragrant lavender to ice blue flowers. Its dark green foliage turns burgundy in fall, adding to its seasonal charm. This compact lilac is ideal for small gardens and provides interest throughout the year.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry)

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a captivating native plant that offers long-lasting beauty. It features clusters of waxy, white, pink-tinged flowers in spring, followed by abundant edible blueberries in summer. The glossy foliage transitions from reddish-green to bluish-green in summer, and in fall, it dazzles with shades of bronze, scarlet, and crimson. Even in winter, its twiggy branches add charm to the landscape.

Hardiness	2 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Yucca filamentosa (Adam’s Needle)

Native to the southeastern US, Yucca filamentosa (Adam’s Needle) is an ornamental evergreen shrub. It forms a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped leaves with curly filaments along the edges. In early to midsummer, it sends up a tall flower stalk with nodding, bell-shaped creamy white flowers. Some varieties have variegated foliage, adding year-round brightness to the garden.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Selecting the right shrub can be daunting for New England gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance and hardy plants that thrive in the New England region, you may want to review the guides below. They will assist you in finding the top performing shrubs that are perfectly suited to your garden.

Great Shrubs for Dry Soils in New England

Great Shrubs for Shady Gardens in New England

Great Shrubs for Sunny Slopes in New England Gardens

Great Shrubs with Berries for Winter Interest for New England

Great Shrubs with Brilliant Fall Color for New England Gardens

Overlooked Flowering Shrubs for New England Gardens

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

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Guides with

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.